Skip to main content

Edward Wormley Lighting

American, 1907-1995

As the longtime director of design for the Dunbar furniture company, Edward Wormley was, along with such peers as George Nelson at Herman Miller Inc., and Florence Knoll of Knoll Inc., one of the leading forces in bringing modern design into American homes in the mid-20th century. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work has an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets it apart from other furnishings of the era.

Wormley was born in rural Illinois and as a teenager took correspondence courses from the New York School of Interior Design. He later attended the Art Institute of Chicago but ran out of money for tuition before he could graduate. Marshall Field hired Wormley in 1930 to design a line of reproduction 18th-century English furniture; the following year he was hired by the Indiana-based Dunbar, where he quickly distinguished himself. It was a good match.

Dunbar was an unusual firm: it did not use automated production systems; its pieces were mostly hand-constructed. For his part, Wormley did not use metal as a major component of furniture; he liked craft elements such as caned seatbacks, tambour drawers, or the woven-wood cabinet fronts seen on his Model 5666 sideboard of 1956. He designed two lines for Dunbar each year — one traditional, one modern — until 1944, by which time the contemporary pieces had become the clear best sellers.

Many of Wormley’s signature pieces — chairs, sofas, tables and more — are modern interpretations of traditional forms. His 1946 Riemerschmid Chair — an example is in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art — recapitulates a late 19th-century German design. The long, slender finials of his Model 5580 dining chairs are based on those of Louis XVI chairs; his Listen-to-Me Chaise (1948) has a gentle Rococo curve; the “Precedent” line that Wormley designed for Drexel Furniture in 1947 is a simplified, pared-down take on muscular Georgian furniture. But he could invent new forms, as his Magazine table of 1953, with its bent wood pockets, and his tiered Magazine Tree (1947), both show. And Wormley kept his eye on design currents, creating a series of tables with tops that incorporate tiles and roundels by the great modern ceramicists Otto and Gertrud Natzler.

As the vintage items on 1stDibs demonstrate, Edward Wormley conceived of a subdued sort of modernism, designing furniture that fits into any decorating scheme and does not shout for attention.

to
5
5
Height
to
5
5
5
5
1
4
4
4
3
3
2
5
5
5
5
5
584
1,460
1,365
1,086
1,083
Creator: Edward Wormley
Edward Wormley for Lightolier Pendant Lamp chandelier Brass and Lacquer 1950s
Edward Wormley for Lightolier Pendant Lamp chandelier Brass and Lacquer 1950s

Edward Wormley for Lightolier Pendant Lamp chandelier Brass and Lacquer 1950s

By Edward Wormley

Located in Virginia Beach, VA

A simplistic form from Edward Wormley for lightolier. The white cup allows for light to diffuse through perforations as well as directs light up which bounces and diffuses off the l...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Floor Lamp
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Floor Lamp

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Floor Lamp

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

Floor lamp designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar. Features a "snack" table base consisting of brass legs, walnut stem, carpathian elm burl wood table top trimmed in walnut. Light com...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Dunbar Snack Table Floor Lamp, Model 4856, Designed by Edward Wormley
Dunbar Snack Table Floor Lamp, Model 4856, Designed by Edward Wormley

Dunbar Snack Table Floor Lamp, Model 4856, Designed by Edward Wormley

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Hanover, MA

Rare Dunbar floor lamp/snack table combo, Model 4856, designed by Edward Wormley circa 1948. Original Dunbar tag on underside. Slender tapered walnut leg and lamp stem. Round top, 25...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Brass Pendant Adjustable Lamp
Brass Pendant Adjustable Lamp

Brass Pendant Adjustable Lamp

By Edward Wormley

Located in St.Petersburg, FL

An unusual pendant lamp in polished brass attributed to Harry Gitlin for Ledlin Lighting Inc. Brass ring allows for easier function and adds decorative appeal. Perforated shade.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Rare Edward Wormley Lamp Table by Dunbar
Rare Edward Wormley Lamp Table by Dunbar

Rare Edward Wormley Lamp Table by Dunbar

By Edward Wormley

Located in Highland, IN

This table lamp by Edward Wormley is an exceedingly rare variation on the model 5410 by Dunbar. The model 5410 was produced with a couple base variations, but this example has severa...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Related Items
Ettore Sottsass Callimaco Floor Lamp for Artemide
Ettore Sottsass Callimaco Floor Lamp for Artemide

Ettore Sottsass Callimaco Floor Lamp for Artemide

$2,535 / item

H 78.75 in Dm 15.375 in

Ettore Sottsass Callimaco Floor Lamp for Artemide

By Artemide, Ettore Sottsass

Located in Glendale, CA

Ettore Sottsass 'Callimaco' floor lamp for Artemide. Originally created in 1982, Ettore Sottsass’ “horn” of light creates the remarkable illusion of an oversized musical instrument...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Aluminum

1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA
1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA

1950s Paavo Tynell 'Ballerina' 7 Lights Chandelier for Lightolier , USA

By Gerald Thurston, Lightolier, Paavo Tynell

Located in St- Leonard, Quebec

A classic 1950s blend of Paavo Tynell collaboration with Lightolier USA model 'Ballerina' . 6 arms brass chandelier with enameled pierced shade giving it a starry night look whe...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Adjustable Brass Pendant for Lightolier
Adjustable Brass Pendant for Lightolier

Adjustable Brass Pendant for Lightolier

$3,800

H 19.5 in Dm 18.75 in

Adjustable Brass Pendant for Lightolier

By Lightolier

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A fine brass adjustable ceiling fixture having a perforated dome shade and ring handle.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Fabric and Brass Adjustable Shade Pendant Lamp by Schröder & Co, 1970s, Germany
Fabric and Brass Adjustable Shade Pendant Lamp by Schröder & Co, 1970s, Germany

Fabric and Brass Adjustable Shade Pendant Lamp by Schröder & Co, 1970s, Germany

By Schröder Leuchten

Located in Hagenbach, DE

Fabric and Brass Adjustable Shade Pendant Lamp by Schröder & Co, 1970s, Germany Adjustable large lampshade. Brass body & fabric shade Manufactured in Germany This lamp works with ...

Category

1970s German Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Italian pendant lamp, opaline and brass, 1950s
Italian pendant lamp, opaline and brass, 1950s

Italian pendant lamp, opaline and brass, 1950s

Located in Palermo, PA

Italian pendant lamp, opaline and brass, 1950s. Dimensions: H= 110 cm; D= 28 cm.

Category

1950s Italian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Step End Table
Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Step End Table

Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Step End Table

$1,830

H 25 in W 18.38 in D 24 in

Early Edward Wormley for Dunbar Step End Table

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Three-tiered step up side table designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar, circa 1950. This table is in wonderful condition and can be used as an end ...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Walnut

Brass and Light Beige Fabric Lampshade Adjustable Height Pendant Lamp, Germany
Brass and Light Beige Fabric Lampshade Adjustable Height Pendant Lamp, Germany

Brass and Light Beige Fabric Lampshade Adjustable Height Pendant Lamp, Germany

Located in Barntrup, DE

Beautiful adjustable height three-light brass pendant lamp with fabric lampshade, Germany, circa 1980. Made in the Scandinavian Modern style, this impressive pendant light features a...

Category

Late 20th Century German Scandinavian Modern Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Metal, Brass

1950s Gerald Thurston Floor Lamp for Lightolier
1950s Gerald Thurston Floor Lamp for Lightolier

1950s Gerald Thurston Floor Lamp for Lightolier

$1,500Sale Price|20% Off

H 63.5 in W 10.5 in D 10.5 in

1950s Gerald Thurston Floor Lamp for Lightolier

By Gerald Thurston

Located in Esperance, NY

1950s Gerald Thurston floor lamp for Lightolier.

Category

1960s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Metal

Lightolier Attribution, Chandelier, Brass, Glass, USA, 1950s
Lightolier Attribution, Chandelier, Brass, Glass, USA, 1950s

Lightolier Attribution, Chandelier, Brass, Glass, USA, 1950s

By Lightolier

Located in High Point, NC

A brass and opaline glass chandelier attributed to Lightolier, USA, 1950s. Oxidation present to brass Wear consistent with age and use Overall Dimensions (inches): 24.75" Height x...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

4947 Golightly Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR
4947 Golightly Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR

4947 Golightly Table designed by Edward Wormley for DUNBAR

By Edward Wormley

Located in High Point, NC

A table gathers light, defines intimate space, creates a moment of pause. The Model 4947 Golightly Table by Edward Wormley understands this fundamental truth through its deceptively ...

Category

2010s American Mid-Century Modern Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Wood, Ash, Walnut

1950s Lightolier 6 arms Art Deco Style Glass and Brass Chandelier , USA
1950s Lightolier 6 arms Art Deco Style Glass and Brass Chandelier , USA

1950s Lightolier 6 arms Art Deco Style Glass and Brass Chandelier , USA

By Paavo Tynell, Edward Wormley, Lightolier, Gerald Thurston

Located in St- Leonard, Quebec

1950s Lightolier Art Deco style 6 arms chandelier made of bowls shaped , striped glass shade sitting on a sturdy cast polished aluminium and bras...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Brass

Previously Available Items
Brass & Enamel Mid-Century Modern Chandelier E Wormley for Lightolier, USA 1950s
Brass & Enamel Mid-Century Modern Chandelier E Wormley for Lightolier, USA 1950s

Brass & Enamel Mid-Century Modern Chandelier E Wormley for Lightolier, USA 1950s

By Edward Wormley, Lightolier

Located in Dallas, TX

Mid-Century Modern brass and ivory enameled tole, 3 lights chandelier, by Edward Wormley for Lightolier, USA, 1950s. Rewired, In good vintage condition.   

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass, Enamel

Saucer Pendant Light by Edward Wormley for Lightolier
Saucer Pendant Light by Edward Wormley for Lightolier

Saucer Pendant Light by Edward Wormley for Lightolier

By Edward Wormley, Lightolier

Located in Oklahoma City, OK

Stunning pendant light with enameled saucer and brass cone. Designed by Edward Wormley for Lightolier. Features original height adjustment "egg" and brass ceiling button. Two of two ...

Category

1950s Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tripod Table Floor Lamp
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tripod Table Floor Lamp

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Tripod Table Floor Lamp

By Edward Wormley

Located in Miami, FL

Rare and classic Edward Wormely floor table lamp for Dunbar. Tripod brass base with the table part being burl maple with a sculpted walnut frame. The cluster is telescopic. Signed wi...

Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wedge Form Lamp Table
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wedge Form Lamp Table

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Wedge Form Lamp Table

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Hanover, MA

Edward Wormley for Dunbar trapezoidal form side table made of mahogany with fitted brass lamp stem and original linen shade. This item is with our ...

Category

1940s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Rare Edward Wormley Dunbar Tripod Floor Lamp
Rare Edward Wormley Dunbar Tripod Floor Lamp

Rare Edward Wormley Dunbar Tripod Floor Lamp

By Edward Wormley

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Rare Edward Wormley for Dunbar tripod floor lamp circa early 1950s. This example has a solid patinated brass tripod base ash and burl table and ash frame...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Edward J. Wormley Enameled Metal and Brass Three-Light Chandelier for Lightolier
Edward J. Wormley Enameled Metal and Brass Three-Light Chandelier for Lightolier

Edward J. Wormley Enameled Metal and Brass Three-Light Chandelier for Lightolier

By Edward Wormley, Lightolier

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Designer: Edward J. Wormley. Manufacturer: Lightolier. Period/Style: Mid-Century Modern. Country: United States. Date: 1950s. Dimensions: 15″ H x 25″ W. Materials: Enameled a...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass, Aluminum

Edward Wormley Floor Lamp
Edward Wormley Floor Lamp

Edward Wormley Floor Lamp

Sold

H 50 in Dm 14 in

Edward Wormley Floor Lamp

By Edward Wormley

Located in New York, NY

Edward Wormley for Hansen Standing lamp in rosewood with brass base and fittings. Comes with matching finial and its original nubby linen shade, if desired. American, circa 1950

Category

1950s American Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

1950s Modernist Chandelier by Edward Wormley for Lightolier
1950s Modernist Chandelier by Edward Wormley for Lightolier

1950s Modernist Chandelier by Edward Wormley for Lightolier

By Edward Wormley, Lightolier

Located in Sagaponack, NY

A well scaled and graphic modernist chandelier having a vividly lacquered steel dome and stem with three brushed aluminum conical uplights.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Aluminum, Steel

Floor Lamp by Edward Wormley for Dunbar
Floor Lamp by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

Floor Lamp by Edward Wormley for Dunbar

By Edward Wormley

Located in Dallas, TX

A rare floor lamp with attached table. Designed by Edward Wormley for Dunbar.

Category

1950s Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bird's-Eye Maple and Mahogany Lamp Table, circa 1950
Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bird's-Eye Maple and Mahogany Lamp Table, circa 1950

Edward Wormley for Dunbar Bird's-Eye Maple and Mahogany Lamp Table, circa 1950

By Dunbar Furniture, Edward Wormley

Located in Camden, ME

An exceptional example of Edward Wormley's lamp table for Dunbar complete with cast bronze base and finial. A striking combination of Mahogany and Birdseye Maple. The lamp ta...

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass, Bronze

Dunbar Globe Lamp by Edward J. Wormley
Dunbar Globe Lamp by Edward J. Wormley

Dunbar Globe Lamp by Edward J. Wormley

By Edward Wormley, Dunbar Furniture

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Dunbar Globe Lamp by Edward J. Wormley

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Walnut

Illuminated Globe By Edward Wormley
Illuminated Globe By Edward Wormley

Illuminated Globe By Edward Wormley

By Edward Wormley

Located in Sagaponack, NY

Rand McNally world map affixed to an Illuminated electric glass globe. Rotating globe can be repositioned within the brass tipped walnut floor stand.

Category

1950s American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Edward Wormley Lighting

Materials

Brass

Edward Wormley lighting for sale on 1stDibs.

Edward Wormley lighting are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of wood and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Edward Wormley lighting, although brown editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original lighting by Edward Wormley were created in the mid-century modern style in united states during the mid-20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider lighting by Paul McCobb, Ben Seibel, and Mole Richardson Company. Prices for Edward Wormley lighting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $2,400 and can go as high as $7,500, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $5,900.
Questions About Edward Wormley Lighting
  • 1stDibs ExpertAugust 8, 2024
    Edward Wormley used a variety of materials over the course of his career. Among them were laminated wood, brass, marble and silk. Not an axiomatic modernist, Wormley deeply appreciated traditional design, and consequently, his vintage seating, storage cabinets, bar carts and other work have an understated warmth and a timeless quality that sets them apart from other furnishings of the era. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of Edward Wormley furniture.